The ‘Leaders in the Arts’ panel discussion will be held at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford.

Amanda Roy, CEO of the Greater Hartford Arts Council will be the moderator. Courtesy photo

Submitted

Five influential women shaping Connecticut’s cultural landscape will come together for a high-impact public conversation at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) on Tuesday, Feb. 17. The panel will offer rare, behind-the-scenes insight into leadership in the arts and at the state’s premier arts institution.

The University’s Women’s Leadership Center will host “Leaders in the Arts,” a dynamic panel discussion featuring senior executives from The Bushnell, Hartford Stage, the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and Playhouse on Park. The event will run from 5-6:30 p.m. in USJ’s Bruyette Athenaeum, Hoffman Auditorium.

Panelists include:

• Yolande Spears, Senior Vice President of Education and Chief Community Impact Officer, The Bushnell
• Cynthia Rider, Managing Director, Hartford Stage
• Carolyn Kuan, Music Director, Hartford Symphony
• Tracy Flater, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Playhouse on Park

Yolande Spears. Courtesy photo

Cynthia Ryder. Courtesy photo

Carolyn Kuan. Courtesy photo

Tracy Flater. Courtesy photo

The panel will be moderated by Amanda Roy, CEO of the Greater Hartford Arts Council.

Together, these leaders will discuss how they navigate creative vision, leadership challenges, and the evolving cultural landscape. Through candid conversation, they’ll explore the power of representation, the role of women’s voices in shaping artistic communities, and the strategies that have helped them lead with authenticity, resilience, and impact.

“Leaders in the Arts” is part of the Women’s Leadership Center’s2025–2026 signature series, Inspire: Leading Beyond Limits. Shaping What’s Next, which spotlights bold leadership and forward-thinking impact across industries.

The event is free and open to the public, though advance registration is required: Inspire: Leading Beyond Limits. Shaping What’s Next: Leaders in the Arts Tickets, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 at 5 p.m. | Eventbrite

In the event of inclement weather on Feb. 17, the program will be rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19 from 5-6:30 p.m.

For more information about the Women’s Leadership Center and its programming, visit usj.edu/wlc.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.